Plug for concrete floor penetrations

ABSTRACT

A plug includes a conformable element and a structural cover or top plate for plugging a hole in a concrete floor slab. This permits a workman to plug the hole; unplug the hole; and, in some embodiments, fit a pipe through the hole. Moreover, the conformable element may be swapped-out on site, allowing a workman to adjust a diameter and outer surface of the plug to meet on-site conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the following provisionalapplication, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/930,582 filed May 16, 2007.

This application is a continuation-in-part of the following U.S. patentapplications, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety:United States Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/028,858 filed Feb.11, 2008.

BACKGROUND

This application relates to plugging penetrations in floors. Thereremains a need for a plug including a conformable element and astructural cover or top plate for plugging a hole in a concrete slab.

SUMMARY

A plug includes a conformable element and a structural cover or topplate for plugging a hole in a concrete floor slab. This permits aworkman to plug the hole; unplug the hole; and, in some embodiments, fita pipe through the hole. Moreover, the conformable element may beswapped-out on site, allowing a workman to adjust a diameter and outersurface of the plug to meet on-site conditions. In one aspect, a plugthat is disclosed herein includes a conformable element having a toporifice, a bottom orifice, and a tubular hole, the top orifice and thebottom orifice being connected by a sidewall of the tubular hole; astructural top plate having a core portion, the core portion disposedinside the tubular hole; and a locking plate having an interlockingcomponent, the interlocking component disposed inside of the tubularhole, the interlocking component locked to the core portion. Theconformable element may be tapered. The conformable element may have atextured outer surface. The conformable element may have at least onefin. The interlocking component and the core portion may form a Morsetaper. The structural top plate may contain a notch adapted to receive atool. The conformable element may include a tapered lead-in. The coreportion may be ribbed.

In one aspect, a kit for plugging a hole in a floor that is disclosedherein includes a conformable element having a top orifice, a bottomorifice, and a tubular hole, the top orifice and the bottom orificebeing connected by a sidewall of the tubular hole; a structural topplate having a core portion, the core portion suitable for insertioninto the tubular hole through the top orifice; and a locking platehaving an interlocking component, the interlocking component suitablefor insertion into the tubular hole through the bottom orifice, whereinthe interlocking component and the core portion are adapted to connectto one another when both are inside the tubular hole. The conformableelement may be tapered. The conformable element may have a texturedouter surface. The conformable element may have at least one fin. Theinterlocking component and the core portion may form a Morse taper. Thestructural top plate may contain a notch adapted to receive a tool. Theconformable element may include a tapered lead-in. The core portion maybe ribbed.

In one aspect, a plug that is disclosed herein includes a conformableelement having a top orifice; and a structural top plate having atoothed core, the toothed core disposed into the conformable elementthrough the top orifice, the toothed core attaching the structural topplate to the conformable element. The conformable element may betapered. The conformable element may have a textured outer surface. Theconformable element may have a least one fin. The structural top platemay contain a notch adapted to receive a tool. The toothed core may havea lead-in ramp. In one aspect, a kit containing components of a plugthat is disclosed herein includes a conformable element having a toporifice; and a structural top plate having a toothed core. Theconformable element may be tapered. The conformable element may have atextured outer surface. The conformable element may have a least onefin. The structural top plate may contain a notch adapted to receive atool. The toothed core may have a lead-in ramp.

In one aspect, a plug for stopping smoke and fire from passing through ahole in a floor that is disclosed herein includes a removable upperportion having an attachment feature, the attachment feature adapted toattach to a remote tool; and a lower portion having an outward facingsurface and a lower wall, the lower wall having at least one stressring, wherein at least part of the lower portion forms a well adapted toreceive an intumescent material and the upper portion is removablyattached to the lower portion. The plug for stopping smoke and fire frompassing through a hole in a floor may include fins disposed on theoutward facing surface. The plug for stopping smoke and fire frompassing through a hole in a floor may include a tab disposed on thelower wall. The removable upper portion may be substantially rigid. Thewell may be adapted to receive an intumescent material.

In one aspect, a kit containing components of a plug that is disclosedherein includes an upper portion having a first catch and an attachmentfeature, the attachment feature adapted to attach to a remote tool; anda lower portion having a second catch, an outward facing surface, and alower wall, wherein the lower wall has at least one stress ring; atleast part of the lower portion forms a well, and the first catch isadapted to substantially fit together with the second catch. The kitcontaining components of a plug may include fins disposed on the outwardfacing surface. The kit containing components of a plug may include atab disposed on the lower wall. The upper portion may be substantiallyrigid. The well may be adapted to receive an intumescent material. Inone aspect, a plug for stopping water from flowing through a hole thatis disclosed herein includes a conformable element having an outwardfacing surface; a plurality of fins disposed on the outward facingsurface; and a structural plate mounted on top of the conformableelement. The fins may be compliant. The plate may be removable. Theplate may contain a notch adapted to receive a tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention and the following detailed description of certainembodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the followingfigures:

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E depict sectional views of a process fordrilling a hole in a concrete floor slab and installing a pipe throughthe hole.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a plug.

FIG. 2B depicts a sectional view of a plug.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depict sectional views of steps for securing aplug.

FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of a plug.

FIG. 4B depicts a sectional view of a plug.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C depict sectional views of steps for securing adeformable plug.

FIG. 6 depicts a sectional view of a plug.

FIG. 6A depicts a sectional view of a plug installed in a hole.

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of a plug.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C depict sectional views of steps for securing aplug.

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded perspective view of a plug.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C depict sectional views of steps for securing aplug.

FIG. 11A depicts a sectional view of a lower portion of a plug seated ina hole.

FIG. 11B depicts a sectional view of a step in a process for installinga pipe through a plug.

FIG. 11C depicts a sectional view of a plug acting as asmoke-and-fire-stop during a blaze.

FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view of a plug.

FIG. 12B depicts a perspective view of a plug.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D depict sectional views of floors havingholes of various sizes, and plugs sized for the holes.

FIG. 14A depicts an exploded sectional view of a plug.

FIG. 14B depicts a perspective view of a plug.

FIG. 15 depicts a sectional view of a plug having a toothed core.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D depict sectional views of a conformableelement.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of a plug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with the claims defining the featuresof the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawings figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely presently preferred embodiments of the invention, which canbe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural andfunctional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ thepresent invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to belimiting but rather to provide an understandable description of theinvention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defied as one or more thanone. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a secondor more. The terms “including” and/or “having” as used herein, aredefined as comprising (i.e. open transition). The term “coupled” or“operatively coupled” as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

FIG. 1 depicts processes for drilling a hole in a floor and passing apipe through the hole. In some embodiments, the floor may be a concretefloor slab 102. The sequence of steps, as shown in FIG. 1, may presentlybe used in the construction industry to core drill through the concretefloor slab 102 in a construction project, and to fit and fire-proof theplumbing pipes and electrical conduit installed on the constructionproject.

Pipe fitting on a construction project may begin with drilling out acore 110 from the concrete floor slab 102, as shown in FIG. 1A. Duringthis step, a mechanical construction crew may drill out the core 110required by the plumbing design. This may be accomplished with a specialmachine utilizing a diamond coring bit 104 that accurately andrepeatedly cores holes that are normally in one inch increments, i.e.,2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, and so on. The machine may cut through concrete, steelreinforcing, corrugated steel floor pans 108, and the like, whichnormally support the poured concrete slab. The core 110 may fall to thefloor below. Referring to FIG. 1B, after the holes are drilled, the holemay be covered to protect people from stepping into the holes and fromtools or other objects from falling through the hole and injuringsomeone beneath. The job site carpenters may fabricate a plywood andlumber hole cover 112 for each hole at a job site. Some job sites mayhave tens of thousands of holes or more. In any case, these covers stayin place, sometimes for as long as ten months or more, until pipefitters are ready to install pipes through the hole.

When the pipe fitters are ready to install a pipe 114 through the hole,the cover 112 may be removed and discarded. The pipe 114 may bepositioned though the hole and connected to adjoining fittings, as shownin FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, the hole may be several pipe diameterswide to provide good clearance around the pipe.

Referring to FIG. 1D, building codes may require fire retardant caulkingto be placed in the perimeter hole around the pipe 114. In the event ofa fire, the caulking and the pipe may prevent the fire's spread betweenfloors through the hole. In some embodiments, the caulking may be moreor less one inch in thickness. In any case, the pipe fitters may packmineral wool 118 around the perimeter of the pipe 114 in order tosupport the caulking.

In some embodiments, the mineral wool 118 may create a toroidal ordonut-shaped mass around the pipe 114, as shown in FIG. 1E. This mayseal the mineral wool 118 against the concrete sidewall of the hole topermit application of the fire retardant caulking 120. In someembodiments, the fire retardant caulking 120 may be manually-appliedwith a caulking gun. The caulking may be one to two inches thick.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a presently preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the embodiment including plug 202 having a top portion and abottom portion, both of which are adapted to mate with one another. Thetop portion includes a cover 204, an attachment feature 208, and athread 214. The lower portion includes a first ring 210 having anadhesive outer surface and a threaded inner surface 222; and a secondring 212 serving a smoke-stop and/or fire-stop function.

The cover 204 may be flexible with one or more gasket ridges 220. Thesegasket ridges 220 of the cover 204 may deform to provide a watertightseal when the plug is installed in a hole and the top portion is matedto the bottom portion. The watertight seal may be between the topportion and a remote surface of a floor in which the plug is seated. Insome embodiments, the cover 204 may be rigid, elastomeric, deformable,any and all combinations of the foregoing, or the like. The attachmentfeature 208 may allow for attachment of a remote tool to top portion ofthe plug 202. When attached, the remote tool may apply a mechanicalrotational and/or translational force to the top portion of the plug202. In some embodiments, the attachment feature 208 may be molded intoor affixed to the cover 204. In some embodiments, the attachment feature208 may include a protrusion, a hole, a slot, a catch, any and allcombinations of the foregoing, or the like. In some embodiments, theattachment feature 208 may include a standard size hex nut, a fasteningcomponent, a combination of the two, or the like.

The top portion may be mated to the bottom portion by a rotationalaction causing the thread 214 to progressively engage with the threadedinner surface 222. Alternatively, the top portion may be mated to thebottom portion by a translational action causing the thread 214 tosubstantially snap or pop into engagement with the threaded innersurface 222. It will be understood that the top portion may be mated tothe bottom portion in a variety of ways.

The first ring 210 may have an outward-facing surface 224 on which amicroencapsulated adhesive, a peel-away protected adhesive, acombination of the foregoing, or the like is disposed. When the bottomportion is inserted into a remote hole, the outward facing surface (and,thus, the adhesive) of the first ring 210 may contact a sidewall of thehole. This contact may cause the first ring 210 (and, thus, the bottomportion) to more or less adhere to the sidewall.

The second ring 212 may be attached to first ring by one or moreattachments 218. In some embodiments, the second ring may be sandwichedbetween the top portion and the bottom portion when these two portionsare mated. In some embodiments, the second ring may include anintumescent material, a fire retardant material or sealant, or the like.In some embodiments, the second ring may be conformable so as to fitmore or less snugly against a sidewall of a remote hole when the bottomportion of the plug 202 is seated in said remote hole.

FIG. 3 depicts presently preferred steps of securing the plug 202 in ahole and then removing the top portion of the plug 202 from the bottomportion. In some embodiments, the plug 202 may provide safety protectionfor a cored hole in a concrete slab. Further, in some embodiments, theplug 202 may seal a hole in a watertight manner when the plug 202 isseated in the hole.

In some embodiments, peeling a peel-away protection layer off of theadhesive may activate the peel-away protected adhesive on theoutward-facing surface 224. This may activate a time-delay adhesive orsimply expose an adhesive. In such embodiments, the peel-away protectionlayer may be peeled off before inserting the plug 202 in the hole.

The plug 202 may be positioned into the hole by a pressure having adownward component that is applied to the cover 204 portion of the plug210. In some embodiments and as depicted in FIG. 3A, a workman's foot304 may apply the pressure to a plug 210. In some embodiments, the plug202 may be inserted in the hole by applying pressure 304 using a hammer,a weight, a hand, or the like. In any case, the pressure may first pushthe lower portion of the plug 210 into the hole and then engage thecover 204, deforming the gasket ridges 220 as they contact the sidewallof the hole and/or a top surface 312 of the floor. When pressed againstthe sidewall of the hole, the gasket ridges 220 may provide a watertight and/or fire-retardant seal.

Upon substantially complete insertion of the plug 202 into a hole in afloor, a flange 310 of the cover 204 may be substantially flush with theupper surface 312 of the floor, as shown in FIG. 3B and elsewhere. Here,the flange 310 may be substantially flush with the upper concrete floorsurface and the attachment feature 208 may be below the upper surface.In any case, the adhesive may act over time to bond the plug 202 to theconcrete sidewall of the hole.

The plug 202 may be dismantled with a wrench or other tool. In someembodiments, dismantling the plug may involve unscrewing the cover 204from the lower portion of the plug 202. As shown in FIG. 3C, dismantlingof the plug 202 may occur after the lower portion of the plug 202 isadhered to the sidewall of the hole. Once the cover 204 is removed, apipe may be inserted in the hole and made to pass through the lowerportion of the plug 202. In some embodiments, the threaded inner surface222 of the first ring 210 may be compliant and may adapt to the diameterof the pipe to provide a close fit. In some embodiments, the second ring212 may form an orifice that is larger than the diameter of the pipe andthrough which the pipe may pass. In some embodiments, the second ring212 may be pliable, allowing it to be tamped into firm contact with thepipe.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a presently preferred embodiment of the plug 202.The portion of the cover 204 containing the thread 214 may be tapered.As the cover 204 is screwed into the first ring 210, the tapered portionof the thread may pressurize the first ring 210. In response to this,the first ring 210 may expand. When the plug 202 is installed in a hole,this expansion may force the first ring 210 against a sidewall of thehole, creating a more or less watertight seal between the first ring 210and the sidewall. The top of the cover 204 may be more or less convex,providing a surface over which remote objects may slide or roll when theplug 202 is installed in a hole in a floor.

In some embodiments, the plug 202 may seal a hole in a watertight mannerusing an expandable and/or compliant material. The first ring 210 mayincorporate the expandable and/or compliant material.

In some embodiments, installation of the plug 202 into a hole may set afire-resistant seal, which may be required by code. The fire-resistantseal may include or form a caulk pipe perimeter. The second ring 212 mayinclude or provide the fire-resistant seal.

FIG. 5 depicts presently preferred steps of securing the plug 202 in ahole and then removing the top portion of the plug 202 from the bottomportion. The plug 202 may be positioned into a hole and then a tool 504may be used to screw the cover 204 into the lower portion of the plug202, as shown in FIG. 5A. As the cover 204 is screwed into the lowerportion of the plug 202, the lower portion of the plug 202 may expandagainst the sidewall of the hole. As a result of this, the lower portionof the plug 202 may be in an expanded state and the adhesive (if any) onthe first ring 210 may be pressed against the wall. This pressing actionmay bond or aid in bonding the first ring 210 to the sidewall. Thispressing action may also provide or aid in providing a watertight sealbetween the sidewall of the hole and the lower portion of the plug 202.

FIG. 5B shows the plug 202, installed in a hole, with the top portionmore or less fully mated to the bottom portion. As depicted, the firstring 210 of the lower portion of the plug 202 may be in an expandedstate. In other embodiments, both the first ring 210 and the second ring212 may be in an expanded state when the plug is installed in the holeand the top portion is mated to the bottom portion.

FIG. 5C shows the bottom portion of the plug 202 remaining in the holeafter the top portion is unscrewed and removed. The thread 214 of theupper portion is illustrated, as is its mate: a threaded inner surface222 of the lower portion. With the top portion removed, a pipe may bepassed through the bottom portion of the plug 202. It will be understoodthat various modifications to the design of the plug 202 are possiblewithout deviating from the scope of the invention. For example andwithout limitation, in some embodiments the adhesive may be replaced byany and all other facilities for providing a bond and/or frictionbetween the lower portion of the plug 202 and a sidewall of a hole. Avariety of such embodiments are described hereinafter and elsewhere.

FIG. 6 depicts a presently preferred embodiment of the plug 202. Theplug 202 may include an upper portion 604 and a lower portion 608. Theupper portion may include the attachment feature 208.

The upper portion 604 and the lower portion 608 may be attached by acatch 624 having a component on the upper portion 604 and a component onthe lower portion 608. In some embodiments, the catch 624 may be apartial thread, i.e. a quarter thread or a half thread. In any case, thecatch 624 may keep the upper portion 604 and lower portion 608 joinedtogether until a workman needs to open the hole. It will be understoodthat a variety of embodiments of the catch 624 are possible.

The lower portion 608 may include multiple fins 610 along thecircumference of the outer surface 224. Upon insertion of the plug 202into a hole, the fins 610 may deform or deflect to allow the plug toslide along a sidewall of the hole, into the hole. Upon attemptedremoval of the plug 202 from the hole, these fins 610 may deform ordeflect to cause increased friction between the sidewall of the hole andthe plug 202, thus inhibiting or preventing removal of the plug 202 fromthe hole. In embodiments, the fins 610 may be constructed of one or morematerials having compliant properties, permitting deformation ordeflection of the fins 610. For example and without limitation, the fins610 may be constructed of one or more elastomeric materials. In someembodiments, the fins 610 may be structural ridges.

The lower portion 608 of the plug 202 may include one or more stressrings 618. In some embodiments, the stress rings 618 may include one ormore creases, dents, mechanically stamped thin outlines 618, or thelike. In some embodiments, the stress rings 618 may be incised. In someembodiments, the stress rings 618 may be provided in a variety ofdiameters. For example and without limitation, in some embodiments thestress rings 618 may have diameters of 1.5″, 2″, and 2.25″. The stressrings 618 may facilitate tearing-out part of the lower portion 608. Insome embodiments, such tearing action may form an orifice or the like inthe lower portion 608. In some embodiments, the orifice may accommodatea pipe during fittings. For example and without limitation, when a pipeof 3-inch diameter is to be inserted in the hole, a user may punch out asubstantially circular piece, measuring 3 inches or less in diameter,from the lower portion 608.

In some embodiments, the lower wall 614 may be fabricated from rubber,plastic, thin metal material, any and all combinations of the foregoing,or the like. In some embodiments, the lower portion 608 of the plug maybe flexible or elastomeric. In some embodiments, the lower portion 608may stretch to allow passage of a relatively wide pipe through arelatively narrow punched-out hole, while maintaining a substantiallysnug fit about the pipe.

The lower portion 608 of the plug 202 may include a convolute path 628.The convolute path 628 may rise above a remote floor's surface when theplug 202 is installed in a hole in the floor. In some embodiments, theconvolute path 628 may prevent or inhibit water on the floor's surfacefrom flowing into the lower portion 608. In some embodiments, the lowerportion 608 may define a well 622. In some embodiments, the well 622 mayhold fire-resistant material to form a perimeter seal on the installedpipe. In some embodiments, the fire resistant material may include acaulk, an intumescent material, a sealant, any and all combinations ofthe foregoing, or the like.

FIG. 6A may depict a sectional view of a plug 202 in a hole. The plugincludes the upper portion 604 and the lower portion 608. The fins 610may be in contact with a sidewall of the hole. The plug 202 may beacting as a structural safety cover, a watertight seal, a smoke-and-firestop, any and all combinations of the foregoing, or the like.

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded perspective view of a presently preferredembodiment of the plug 202. The plug 202 includes the upper portion 604and the lower portion 608. The upper portion 604 includes the cover 204,the attachment feature 208, the thread 214, and a detent 704 in thethread 214. The lower portion 608 includes the threaded inner surface222, the fins 610, and at least one receptacle 702. In some embodiments,the thread 214 may be a quarter-turn thread and the threaded innersurface 222 may be adapted to mate with the quarter-turn thread. In someembodiments, the threaded inner surface 222 may include one or morerecesses that are configured and sized to receive at least a portion ofthe thread 214. In any case, mating the upper portion 604 to the lowerportion 608 may form a watertight seal between the two portions 604,608.

The at least one receptacle 702 may be adapted to receive at least aportion of a smoke-stop/fire-stop module. Without limitation, thatportion of said module may include a fastener. The smoke-stop/fire-stopmodule may be described in detail hereinafter with reference to FIG. 11and elsewhere.

The attachment feature 208 may be a hole that is adapted to receive aportion of a tool. The tool may be described in detail hereinafter withreference to FIG. 8C and elsewhere.

The fins 610 may provide a substantially watertight seal between thelower portion 608 and the sidewall of a hole in which the plug 202 isseated. For example and without limitation, the fins 610 may flex as aresult of the plug 202 being inserted into a hole. When flexed, the fins610 may apply pressure against the sidewall of the hole, thus providingthe substantially watertight seal. Although two fins 610 are depicted,it will be understood that any number of fins 610 may be present in someembodiments.

The detent 704 may provide a locking function between the upper portion604 and the lower portion 608. In some embodiments, the detent 704 maybe defined along the tight end of the thread 214. In some embodiments,the threaded inner surface 222 may include a projection thatsubstantially mates with the detent 704 to more or less inhibit rotationof the upper portion 604 relative to the lower portion 608.

The plug 202 may be forced into a hole by a workman's foot 304 or thelike, as shown in FIG. 8A. The plug 202 may have the flange 310.

Once seated in the hole, the plug 202 may provide a watertight seal thatprevents water from seeping past the plug 202 and into the hole, asshown in FIG. 8B.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8C, a tool 504 may remove the plug202 (or a portion thereof) from the hole. The tool 504 may include atang 804 that is configured and sized such that at least a portion ofthe tang 804 can be inserted into the attachment feature 208. The tang804 may substantially couple the tool 504 to the attachment feature 208.

The tool 504 may include a lever 810 having a handle 814 and a fulcrum808. A workman's hand 812 may apply a downward force to the lever 810,which in turn applies an upward force to the plug 202. These forces maydisengage a frictional grip between the fins 610 and the sidewall of thehole. In any case, a downward force applied to the lever 810 may causethe plug 202 (or a portion thereof) to be removed from the hole.

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded perspective view of a presently preferredembodiment of the plug 202. The plug includes the upper portion 604 andthe lower portion 604. The upper portion 604 includes the cover 204, theattachment features 208, the flange 310, and the thread 214. The lowerportion 608 includes the threaded inner surface 222, the fins 610, theat least one receptacle 702, and a smoke-and-fire-stop module 924. Thesmoke-and-fire-stop module 924 includes a membrane 902, one or moreholes 904 in the membrane, an aperture 908, a connection ring 910, atleast one hole 914 in the connection ring 910, at least one tab 918 onthe connection ring 910, a fastener 920, and an intumescent ring 922.

The membrane 902 may include the aperture 908. In some embodiments, theaperture 908 may have a diameter that measures somewhat less than thesmallest diameter of a pipe to be mounted through the aperture 908. Theelasticity of the membrane 902 may allow a pipe to more or less stretchthe aperture 908. This stretching action may allow the aperture 908 toaccommodate a range of pipe diameters while also maintaining aconstriction around pipes having diameters in said range. Once a pipe isinstalled through the membrane 902, the membrane 902 may substantiallyprohibit smoke from flowing upward through a hole in which the lowerportion 608 of the plug 202 is installed.

The membrane 902 may be constructed of a material that provides it withelasticity and tear strength suitable for use on a construction site.Without limitation, the material may be an elastomeric material. It willbe understood that a variety of embodiments of the membrane 902 arepossible.

The membrane 902 may be sandwiched against the lower portion 608 by theconnection ring 910. The connection ring may include a pattern of holesthat includes the at least one hole 914. The connection ring 910 may bemore or less rigid and may have sufficient structure to dispose themembrane 902 against the lower portion 608. In some embodiments, theconnection ring 910 may include a metal or a metal alloy.

The smoke-and-fire-stop module 924 may be attached to the lower portion608 of the plug 202. At least some of the holes 904 in the membrane maybe complementary to at least some of the receptacles 702. In addition,at least some of the holes 914 in the connection ring 910 may becomplementary to at least some of the receptacles 702. The configurationand the location of the holes 904, 914 may help to facilitate joining orclamping of the connection ring 910 and the membrane 902 to the lowerportion 608 of the plug 202. For example and without limitation, afastener 920 may pass through a hole 914 in the connection ring 910 anda hole 904 in the membrane before finally joining to the lower portion608 at the receptacle 702. In some embodiments, the fastener 920 mayinclude a screw, a clamp, or the like. It will be understood that avariety of fasteners 920 are possible. Likewise, it will be understoodthat a variety of methods for attaching the smoke-and-fire-stop module924 to the lower portion 608 of the plug 202 are possible.

In some embodiments, the connection ring 910 may include a plurality ofconnection tangs 912 that are configured to provide the ring 910 with adiameter that is slightly larger than a hole's diameter. In suchembodiments, insertion of the ring 910 into the hole may cause theconnection tangs 912 to flex, allowing the connection ring 910 to slideinto the hole but substantially preventing the connection ring 910 frombeing pulled back out of the hole.

The intumescent ring 922 may be attached to the connection ring 910. Insome embodiments, the intumescent ring 922 may be attached to theconnection ring 910 by crimping one or more of the tabs 918 over and/oragainst the intumescent ring 922. It will be understood that a varietyof fastening systems and methods may be employed to attach theintumescent ring 922 to the connection ring 910.

The intumescent ring 922 may include a type of intumescent material usedin building construction for fire-stop purposes. In some embodiments,the intumescent material may expand 30 to 50 times or more its originalvolume when exposed to heat and/or fire. This expanding action maysubstantially fill a gap between a hole's sidewall and an outer surfaceof a pipe disposed through the intumescent ring 922.

FIG. 10A may illustrate a method for installing the plug in a hole, themethod being analogous or identical to the method described hereinabovewith reference to FIG. 3A and elsewhere. The plug 202 may include thesmoke-and-fire-stop module 924 having the intumescent ring 922.

FIG. 10B may illustrate how, upon substantially complete insertion ofthe plug 202 into a hole in a floor, the flange 310 may be substantiallyflush with an upper surface of the floor. Once seated in the hole, theplug 202 may provide a watertight seal that prevents water from seepingpast the plug 202 and into the hole. The flange 310 may be a structuralflange that provides the plug 202 with a load carrying ability when theplug is installed in the hole. Deformation of one or more of the fins610 may occur in response to pressure applied to the plug 202 andresulting in movement of the plug 202 into the hole.

FIG. 10C may illustrate how, after the plug 202 is installed in thehole, a workman may remove the upper portion 604 from the lower portion608. The tool 504 may be configured to engage with the attachmentfeature 208. In some embodiments, the tool 504 may be a wrench. In someembodiments, the attachment feature 208 may be an aperture, hole, nut,protrusion, any and all combinations of the foregoing, and the like. Inany case, the tool 504 may be constructed and arranged such that, whenthe connected to the cover 204 via the attachment feature 208, aworkman's hand 812 may apply a torque to the top portion 604. The torquemay loosen the top portion 604 from the bottom portion 608. The tool 504and the attachment feature 208 may lock or stick together so that theworkman's hand 812 may apply an upward force that removes the loosenedtop portion 604 from the bottom portion 608.

As shown in FIG. 11A and as described hereinabove and elsewhere, thelower portion 608 may remain in the hole. Holding the lower portion 608in place may be friction between the lower portion 608 and a sidewall ofthe hole, adhesive disposed on the outer surface of the lower portion608, interference between the connection tangs 912 and the sidewall, anyand all combinations of the foregoing, and the like.

FIG. 11B illustrates workman's hands 812 fitting a pipe 114 through theaperture 908 of the membrane 902. In some embodiments, properties of themembrane 902 may allow the pipe to pass through the aperture 908 withminimal force. As described hereinabove and elsewhere, the membrane 902may constrict around the outer diameter of the pipe 114.

FIG. 11C illustrates the pipe 114 installed in the lower portion 608 ofthe plug 202 and a blaze 1102 with smoke 1104 below the lower portion608. The lower portion 608 of the plug 202 may act as a smoke-stopbarrier through and around which the smoke 1104 cannot pass. Thisbarrier action may be provided in part by a tight fit between the lowerportion 608 and a sidewall of the hole; in part by a smoke-impermeablenature of the lower portion 608; and in part by constriction of themembrane 902 around the pipe 114.

If and when sufficient heat from the blaze 1102 reaches the intumescentring 922, the intumescent ring 922 may activate. Once activated, theintumescent ring 922 may expand and/or effervesce, for example andwithout limitation as illustrated. This action of expanding and/oreffervescing may fill a void and/or space between the sidewall of thehole and the pipe 114.

In some cases, heat from the blaze 1102 may negatively affect theintegrity of the friction and/or adhesive holding the lower portion 608in place. If that happens, the interference between the connection tangs912 and the sidewall may hold the connection ring 910 in place longenough for the intumescent ring 922 to fully expand and/or effervesce.Having more or less fully expanded and/or effervesced, the intumescentring 922 may substantially hold itself in position.

FIG. 12A depicts a perspective view of the plug 202. In someembodiments, the plug 202 includes a structural top plate 1202 having anotch 1204, a conformable element 1208 having a bevel lead-in 1212, anda locking plate 1210. As depicted, the plug may be assembled and readyfor insertion into a hole in a floor.

The structural top plate 1202 may include a cover-like portion and acore portion. The cover-like portion may be visible above theconformable element 1208. The core portion, however, may be inside theconformable element 1208 and, therefore, not visible.

The cover-like portion of the top plate 1202 may be substantially rigidand may provide a load carrying ability.

The notch 1204 may be disposed on the lower side of the cover-likeportion of the top plate 1202. The notch 1204 may allow a tool (such asand without limitation, a pry bar) to engage and facilitate lifting ofthe plug 202 from a hole. Alternatively or additionally, the cover-likeportion may include the attachment feature 208, which may allow a tool504 first to attach to the plug 202 and then pull the plug 202 up andout of a hole.

The conformable element 1208 may have a top and bottom orifice connectedby a sidewall of a tubular hole. The conformable element 1208 may besubstantially tubular, conical, or the like. The core portion of the topplate 1202 may be inserted through the top orifice and into the tubularhole. Once inserted into the tubular hole, the core portion may locktogether with a portion of the locking plate 1210 disposed at, in, oradjacent to the bottom orifice.

The conformable element 1208 may be tapered and may include the beveledlead-in 1212. Both the tapering and the beveled lead-in 1212 may easeinstallation of the plug 202 into a hole. In any case, when insertedinto a hole, the conformable element 1208 of the plug 202 may compressto form a watertight seal between itself and a sidewall of the hole. Insome embodiments, the conformable element 1208 may include anelastomeric material, a foam material, a polymer, any and allcombinations of the foregoing, or the like.

In some embodiments, one conformable element 1208 may be interchangeablefor another. For example and without limitation, one conformable element1208 may differ from another in diameter, taper, outer surface, any andall combinations of the foregoing, and the like. In some embodiments,the plug 202 may first be disassembled; then one conformable element1208 may be replaced for another; and finally the plug 202 may bereassembled. In some embodiments, the plug 202 may be provided as a kitof components. The kit may include a variety of conformable elements1208. In this case, a user may select an appropriate conformable element1208 and assemble the plug 202 at a work site.

FIG. 12B depicts a perspective view of the plug 202. Here the undersideof both the structural top plate 1202 and the locking plate 1210 areshown. In some embodiments, the structural top plate 1202 and/or thelocking plate 1210 may include ribs. It will be understood that the ribsmay provide strength, reduce weight, and so on.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D depict sectional views of floors havingholes of various sizes, and plugs sized for the holes.

In FIGS. 13A and 13B, the conformable element 1208 may have a diameterof D1, which may be larger than diameter D−n. The tubular element 1208having a diameter larger than that of a hole may conform to such a hole.

Conversely, a conformable element 1208 having a diameter smaller thanthat of a hole may not conform to such a hole. When this is the case,the conformable element 1208 may not snugly fit into said hole and,therefore, may not provide a watertight seal when inserted into it. Toremedy this, as shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D, a conformable element 1208having a diameter of D2 may be included as part of the plug 202. D2 maybe larger than D+n and, therefore, the tubular element 1208 of diameterD2 may conform to a hole of diameter D+n.

In some embodiments, plugs 202 of both D1 and D2 may be provided. Insome embodiments, a kit may include a conformable element 1208 ofdiameter D1 and a conformable element 1208 of diameter D2. In suchcases, a workman may select the appropriate conformable element 1208 andthen assemble the plug 202 as described herein and elsewhere.

FIG. 14A depicts an exploded view of a plug. The structural top plate1202 and the locking plate 1210 are shown as a perspective view. Theconformable element 1208 is shown in a sectional view.

The structural top plate 1202 includes the core portion 1402. In someembodiments, the core portion 1402 may be a ribbed.

The locking plate 1210 may include an interlocking component 1404.

The conformable element 1208 may include the top orifice 1412, thebottom orifice 1414, and the tubular hole 1410. In some embodiments thetubular hole 1410 may be somewhat smaller in diameter than the coreportion 1402.

When the core portion 1402 is inserted into the tubular hole 1410, thetubular hole 1410 may conform to it. In some embodiments, ribs on thecore portion 1402 may mechanically engage the conformable element 1208.In some embodiments, this may substantially lock the core portion 1402to the conformable element 1208.

In some embodiments, the bottom orifice 1414 may receive theinterlocking component 1404. The interlocking component 1404 may engagethe core portion 1402, causing the two elements 1404 and 1402 to locktogether. For example and without limitation, in some embodiments theinterlocking component 1404 may include a trunnion and the core portion1402 may include a bore. Respectively, the trunnion and the bore mayform a male portion and a female portion of a Morse taper. It will beunderstood that a variety of structures for locking the structural topplate 1202 to the locking plate 1210 are possible.

FIG. 14B depicts a perspective view of the plug 202. The plug mayinclude the bevel lead-in 1212 and the taper 1408.

FIG. 15 depicts a sectional view of a plug 202 including the structuraltop plate, the conformable element 1208, and a toothed core 1502 havinga lead-in ramp 1504.

In some embodiments, such as and without limitation the embodiment shownhere, the conformable element 1208 may have a substantially solid bottom1508 instead of the bottom orifice 1414.

The toothed core 1502 may be a variation of the core portion 1402. Thetoothed core 1502 may mechanically engage the conformable element 1208.In some embodiments, the lead-in ramp 1504 may seal against a bottomsurface of the conformable element 1208. In some embodiments, thelead-in ramp 1504 may ease installation of the toothed core 1502 intothe tubular hole 1410.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D depict sectional views of a variety ofconformable elements 1208.

The conformable element 1208 variant of FIG. 16A includes an outer wall1604 having a substantially smooth outer surface. The portion of theconformable element 1208 forming the tubular hole 1410 may, in part, beseparated from the outer wall 1604 by a space 1602. In some embodiments,the space 1602 may be empty or at least partially filled with a solid,liquid, gas, any and all combinations of the foregoing, and the like.

The conformable element 1208 variant of FIG. 16B includes an outer wall1604 having a substantially textured outer surface. The portion of theconformable element 1208 forming the tubular hole 1410 may, in part, beseparated from the outer wall 1604 by a space 1602. In some embodiments,the space 1602 may be empty or at least partially filled with a solid,liquid, gas, any and all combinations of the foregoing, and the like.

The conformable element 1208 variants of FIG. 16C and FIG. 16D havedifferent outer diameters 1608, 1610.

In some embodiments, any and all number of conformable elements 1208 maybe provided. In some embodiments, the conformable elements 1208 may haveany and all combinations of outer diameters and outer surfaces. In someembodiments, some or all of the conformable tabular elements 1208 mayhave the space 1602. In some embodiments, some or all of the conformableelements 1208 may have the bottom 1508 instead of the bottom orifice1414.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the plug 202. The conformableelement 1208 may include any and all number of fins 610. The structuraltop plate 1202 may include ridges 1702. The ridges 1702 may enhanceload-carrying ability of the structural top plate 1202. In someembodiments, as shown, the ridges 1702 may be notched. This may allow aportion of the ridge to fit within a remote hole when the plug 202 isinstalled in the hole. In some embodiments, a portion of the structuraltop plate 1202 may rest on a remote floor's surface when the plug 202 isinstalled in a hole in the floor.

The specific embodiments provided and illustrated herein are meant onlyby way of description and are not intended to be comprehensive orexhaustive of all possible embodiments thereof. For example and withoutlimitation, in some embodiments the cover 204 may additionally oralternatively include a securing mechanism that prevents unauthorizeddisengagement of the upper portion of the plug 202 from the lowerportion of the plug 202. For another example and also withoutlimitation, in some embodiments the cover 204 may additionally oralternatively include a tether connecting the upper portion of the plug202 to the lower portion of the plug 202. In some embodiments, theattachment feature 208 may be adapted so that only a specialized customtool can attach to and operate the plug 202. In some embodiments, theattachment feature 208 may include a nut of standard or non-standardsizes. It will be understood that a variety of materials and techniquesmay be employed in the construction of embodiments of the presentinvention.

The plugs can furthermore be easily constructed to be color-coded orinclude written symbols, words, or other indicia of their use (e.g., redplugs designating fuel line penetrations). Additionally, the plugs caninclude auxiliary attachments and features to enhance their operation.For example, including a lanyard or cord or chain that is attached atone end to the upper portion of the plug and the other end beingattached to another portion such as a lower portion of the plug. Thelanyard being of finite length, such as and without limitationeight-inches long, may prevent accidental loss of a cover.

Other embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure arecomprehended within the scope of the present invention and disclosureand can be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated that any and all embodiments of the plug mayprovide safety protection for a cored hole in a concrete slab perbuilding-code requirements. Moreover, it will be appreciated that anyand all embodiments of the plug may provide a smoke-stop and/orfire-stop capability. It will further be appreciated that the capabilitymay be provided when the top portion is mated to the bottom portion andthe plug 202 is seated in a hole. It will still further be appreciatedthat the capability may be provided after the plug 202 has been seatedin a hole; the top portion has been removed; and a pipe has been fittedthrough the bottom portion. Finally, it will be understood that variousembodiments of the plug 202 are possible and that embodiments of thepresent invention are not limited to those disclosed herein andelsewhere.

Many other systems, methods, objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will be appreciated. All such systems, methods,object, features, and advantages are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art may recognizeother embodiments, and all such variations, modifications, andsubstitutions may be intended to fall within the scope of thisdisclosure. Thus, the invention may be to be understood in the broadestsense allowable by law.

1. A plug, comprising: a conformable element having a top orifice, abottom orifice, and a tubular hole, the top orifice and the bottomorifice being connected by a sidewall of the tubular hole; a structuraltop plate having a core portion, the core portion disposed inside thetubular hole; and a locking plate having an interlocking component, theinterlocking component disposed inside of the tubular hole, theinterlocking component locked to the core portion.
 2. The plug of claim1, wherein the conformable element is tapered.
 3. The plug of claim 1,wherein the conformable element has a textured outer surface.
 4. Theplug of claim 1, wherein the conformable element has at least one fin.5. The plug of claim 1, wherein the interlocking component and the coreportion form a Morse taper.
 6. The plug of claim 1, wherein thestructural top plate contains a notch adapted to receive a tool.
 7. Theplug of claim 1, wherein the conformable element includes a taperedlead-in.
 8. The plug of claim 1, wherein the core portion is ribbed. 9.A kit for plugging a hole in a floor, the kit comprising: a conformableelement having a top orifice, a bottom orifice, and a tubular hole, thetop orifice and the bottom orifice being connected by a sidewall of thetubular hole; a structural top plate having a core portion, the coreportion suitable for insertion into the tubular hole through the toporifice; and a locking plate having an interlocking component, theinterlocking component suitable for insertion into the tubular holethrough the bottom orifice, wherein the interlocking component and thecore portion are adapted to connect to one another when both are insidethe tubular hole.
 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the conformableelement is tapered.
 11. The kit of claim 9, wherein the conformableelement has a textured outer surface.
 12. The kit of claim 9, whereinthe conformable element has at least one fin.
 13. The plug of claim 9,wherein the interlocking component and the core portion form a Morsetaper.
 14. The plug of claim 9, wherein the structural top platecontains a notch adapted to receive a tool.
 15. The plug of claim 9,wherein the conformable element includes a tapered lead-in.
 16. The plugof claim 9, wherein the core portion is ribbed. 17-28. (canceled)
 29. Aplug for stopping smoke and fire from passing through a hole in a floor,the plug adapted to allow a pipe to pass through it, the plugcomprising: a removable upper portion having an attachment feature, theattachment feature adapted to attach to a remote tool; and a lowerportion having an outward facing surface and a lower wall, the lowerwall having at least one stress ring, wherein at least part of the lowerportion forms a well adapted to receive an intumescent material and theupper portion is removably attached to the lower portion.
 30. The plugof claim 29, further comprising fins disposed on the outward facingsurface.
 31. The plug of claim 29, further comprising a tab disposed onthe lower wall.
 32. The plug of claim 29, wherein the removable upperportion is substantially rigid.
 33. The plug of claim 29, wherein thewell is adapted to receive an intumescent material.
 34. A kit containingcomponents of a plug, the plug capable of stopping smoke and fire frompassing through a hole in a floor, the plug adapted to allow a pipe topass through it, the kit comprising: an upper portion having a firstcatch and an attachment feature, the attachment feature adapted toattach to a remote tool; and a lower portion having a second catch, anoutward facing surface, and a lower wall, wherein the lower wall has atleast one stress ring, at least part of the lower portion forms a well,and the first catch is adapted to substantially fit together with thesecond catch.
 35. The kit of claim 34, further comprising fins disposedon the outward facing surface.
 36. The kit of claim 34, furthercomprising a tab disposed on the lower wall.
 37. The kit of claim 34,wherein the upper portion is substantially rigid.
 38. The kit of claim34, wherein the well is adapted to receive an intumescent material. 39.A plug for stopping water from flowing through a hole, the plugcomprising: a conformable element having an outward facing surface; aplurality of fins disposed on the outward facing surface; and astructural plate mounted on top of the conformable element.
 40. The plugof claim 39, wherein the fins are compliant.
 41. The plug of claim 39,wherein the plate is removable.
 42. The plug of claim 39, wherein theplate contains a notch adapted to receive a tool.